While there is substantial epidemiological evidence that diet can affect the probability of the incidence or progression of prostate cancer, the underlying mechanisms that mediate this phenomenon are largely unknown.

We have recently shown that a four-week dietary intervention with a food product rich in sulfur-containing metabolites derived from broccoli in men who have organ-confined prostate cancer results in accumulation of certain metabolites in the prostate gland, and a 12-month dietary intervention with the same food product results in modulation of changes in gene expression that are consistent with reduction in risk of cancer progression.

In the proposed programme of research, the MD student will explore the effects of further dietary interventions on the metabolite and gene expression profile of the prostate. The research will involve designing and executing a short term dietary intervention and analyses of tissue obtained with through trans-perineal template biopsies or prostatectomy. The research will involve next-generation sequencing and bioinformatic analyses of tissue samples, LC-MSn analyses of specific metabolites, and associated laboratory studies with model systems.

The student will join an active research group at the Quadram Institute and extend a long-term productive and enjoyable collaboration with the urology department of the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.

Ref. MITHEN_Q18MD

Entry Requirement information can be found at:  https://www.uea.ac.uk/medicine/research-degrees/doctor-of-medicine-md/entry-requirements

For further information and to apply, please visit the below ‘How to Apply’ page: https://www.uea.ac.uk/medicine/research-degrees/doctor-of-medicine-md/how-to-apply

This project is awarded with a 2-year Quadram Institute Bioscience (QIB) Doctor of Medicine (MD) studentship. A stipend will be provided for each year of the studentship (2018/19 rate will be £18,500). Tuition fees are covered for UK and EU rate.  International students are eligible for funding but will need to find their own support to cover the extra tuition fees chargeable to overseas students.  (Tuition fee rates for 2018/19 for UK/EU students is £4,260.00, for international students it is £18,350.00).